Should Teen Murder Suspect Be Tried As A Juvenile or Adult? - WICU12/WSEE Erie, PA News, Sports, Weather and Events

Should Venango County Teen Murder Suspect Be Tried As A Juvenile or Adult?

Posted: Updated:

More on the Venango county teenager, charged with murdering his grandparents.
Should a 13 year old, charged with a heinous crime, be charged as an adult or juvenile?
We sat down with Erie's district attorney to take a closer look at the justice system.
 
We also spoke with Proper's family attorney, who says one of the first things to do is request the case be moved to juvenile court.

Pictures from his Facebook page depict 13 year old Zach Proper as your typical teenager. Snapping pictures of himself, and hanging out with friends.
But he's the same kid, who police say earlier this week used a handgun to shoot his grandmother in the back, then waited for his grandfather to return home, then shot and killed him as well.
It happened at the victims' home in Sandycreek Township.
Proper is being charged as an adult, behind bars in the Venango county adult prison.
His lawyer will eventually request his case be moved to juvenile court.
But according to DA Jack Daneri, the defense will have to present a number of factors, to make that happen.

"At that hearing it would be up to the attorney for that juvenile to convince the court that somehow the individual will not be a danger to society past their 21st birthday, which is as long as juvenile can hold him. That there are reasons for the murder that go well beyond what the police might have listed in the complaint." Said Daneri.

 Earlier this year, the US Supreme Court struck down automatic life sentences for juvenile offenders, even convicted murderers. But as Daneri explains, Proper could still get life in prison, whether he's charged as a juvenile or an adult.
"If his case remains in adult court and if he were convicted of first or second degree murder he can still be sentenced to life without parole. The only change that the supreme court made was that before it sentences a juvenile to life without parole it has to take into consideration a number of factors, it's not automatic anymore. He can still impose that sentence, yes." Said Daneri.

Submit your event now
  • Most Popular StoriesMost Popular Stories

  • Sunday, May 19 2013 5:35 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:35:24 GMT
    Local animal shelters are gaining national recognition. The A.N.N.A. Shelter and the Humane Society beat out 700 shelters across the country to win the Pedigree Feeding Project. With that prize, comes
    The A.N.N.A. Shelter and the Humane Society beat out 700 shelters across the country to win the Pedigree Feeding Project.
  • Saturday, May 18 2013 6:36 PM EDT2013-05-18 22:36:59 GMT
    We first reported Friday night that two separate motorcycle accidents sent three people to the hospital. Now we've learned that one of those accidents claimed the life a woman. Millcreek Police say
    We first reported Friday night that two separate motorcycle accidents sent three people to the hospital. Now we've learned that one of those accidents claimed the life a woman.
  • Sunday, May 19 2013 12:23 AM EDT2013-05-19 04:23:51 GMT
    An all terrain vehicle accident in East Mead Township late Friday claimed a life. State police say 43-year-old Timothy Waddingham Jr. of Guys Mills lost control of his A-T-V on a curve on Hinkson road
    An all terrain vehicle accident in East Mead Township late Friday claimed a life. State police say 43-year-old Timothy Waddingham Jr. of Guys Mills lost control of his A-T-V on a curve on Hinkson road
  • Friday, April 5 2013 1:08 PM EDT2013-04-05 17:08:04 GMT
    Click HERE to go to the weather page
    Click HERE to go to the weather page
  • Friday, May 17 2013 10:50 PM EDT2013-05-18 02:50:22 GMT
    Two accidents happening within five minutes of each other, have landed at least three people in the hospital.The first accident happened Friday night at 9:25 p.m. near the intersection of Route 8 and Gore
    Two accidents happening within five minutes of each other, have landed at least three people in the hospital.The first accident happened Friday night at 9:25 p.m. near the intersection of Route 8 and Gore
  • Saturday, May 18 2013 5:09 PM EDT2013-05-18 21:09:49 GMT
    Neighbors in Waterville are shocked and afraid after a deadly home invasion early Saturday morning.34-year-old James Safadi was shot in his Waterville Township home and three suspects are still on the
    Neighbors in Waterville are shocked and afraid after a deadly home invasion early Saturday morning.
  • Saturday, May 18 2013 10:50 PM EDT2013-05-19 02:50:34 GMT
    Three suspects are still on the loose after an-early morning home invasion and murder in Waterville Township and investigators say the death of 34-year-old James Safadi was not a random act of violence.
    Investigators say the home invasion death of 34-year-old James Safadi in Waterville was not a random act of violence. They believe the local business owner was targeted.
  • Sunday, May 19 2013 5:16 PM EDT2013-05-19 21:16:59 GMT
    With so many college graduations this month, we wanted to know if any grads will be staying in Erie, or if the job market has them heading elsewhere. Unfortunately for today's graduates, getting a diploma
    With so many college graduations this month, we wanted to know if any grads will be staying in Erie, or if the job market has them heading elsewhere.
Powered by WorldNow
3514 State St. Erie, PA 16508
Newsroom: (814)454-8812
Toll Free: 1(800)454-8812
Business offices: (814)454-5201
WICU FCC Filing
WSEE FCC Filing
Share:
Share Stories
Submit your stories to our site!
Share Photos
Share your photos in our community galleries
Mobile:
Mobile Site
Be sure to stay constantly updated with the power of WICU12 and WSEE at your fingertips
Free Android App
Free iPhone App
Free iPad App
Storm Tracker App
Droid
iPhone
iPad
All content © Copyright 2000 - 2013 WorldNow and WICU. All Rights Reserved.
For more information on this site, please read our Privacy Policy and Terms of Service.
                   WICU/WSEE - 3514 State Street Erie, PA 16508 - (814) 454-5201 - info@wicu12.com